What is independence?

"I choose for myself, choose with reason, if I mess up, if I fail, I will still gain experience..." (Fadel Ali from "Steps of the World")

Mom says Independence Day is almost here.

And it’s the country’s birthday.

It’s already really, really big,

Already seventy years old.

I asked, "Mom, what is independence?!"

Mom answered, "An independent country does things on its own. Just like you..."

"Like me?!?! Mom, you’re confused... That can’t be! The State of Israel is so huge, and I’m so small..."

"Small... young, but very independent! Every year that passes, you become independent on a different level.

Once, when you were born, you only knew how to sleep, cry, and eat. Then you learned on your own to smile, roll over, and crawl.

Then you decided that you could be independent,

And then we saw that you started sitting, standing, and even walking all by yourself.

You grew a little more, and completely on your own, you started talking,

Word by word, you began to connect them.

You completely choose on your own which game to play,

And you put it away by yourself when you no longer feel like playing.

You eat beautifully all by yourself with a spoon and fork,

Even if you get a little messy and your big brother teases you a bit...

You completely draw on your own on a piece of paper,

And when you’re done, you put the crayons back on the shelf by yourself.

All these things, two years ago, you didn’t do on your own. You’re growing and developing, experimenting in every area, learning, and then becoming independent, just like the country. And every year we celebrate your birthday, it’s your own personal Independence Day."

Mom explained and explained and told me so much...

And I just wanted to make the country a gift.

So I went to my room and climbed on the stool,

I took the crayons from the shelf all by myself...

I drew a picture in blue and white,

And I asked Mom to write to the country to stay 70,

Even in another 70 years, when I celebrate 70 years of my independence together with it...

Parenting with Responsibility - Ilana Kahana - Parenting Consultation and Guidance

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